Scrubs, Skills, and Success by Abigail

Scrubs, Skills, and Success by Abigail - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

During my time at the Greater Waco Advanced Healthcare Academy (GWAHCA), one of the toughest challenges I faced was preparing for the CNA (Certified Nurse Aide) exam. This was a big goal for me because it was my first step toward becoming a nurse. However, it wasn’t easy. There was a lot to learn, and I often felt stressed about whether I could pass both the skills and written parts of the exam.

The skills portion of the CNA exam was especially hard for me at first. This part required us to show we could do things like safely move patients, check vital signs, and give proper care. Even though we practiced these tasks in class, I would sometimes forget a step or second-guess myself. Something as simple as washing my hands felt nerve-wracking because one mistake could mean failing that part of the test.

The written portion was just as challenging because it covered so much information. It wasn’t just about memorizing facts—I had to understand what to do in real-life situations. Reading through all the terms, procedures, and rules felt overwhelming, especially when I tried to study everything at once.

To handle this, I made a plan. For the skills, I practiced every day after school, sometimes at home and sometimes with my classmates. We would take turns being the “patient” and giving each other tips. I also used a checklist to make sure I didn’t forget any steps. Practicing with friends helped a lot because it felt less stressful, and we could help each other improve.

For the written test, I made flashcards with the important terms and facts. I studied them whenever I had free time, like during lunch or on the bus ride home. I also worked on practice questions my teachers gave me. They reminded me not to just memorize answers but to understand why they were correct. This helped me feel more prepared because I knew I could figure out the answers even if the questions were worded differently.

The day before the test, I was nervous but also felt ready. I didn’t want to stress myself out, so I reviewed my notes once and then got a good night’s sleep. On the day of the exam, I reminded myself that I had worked hard for this and I knew what to do. During the skills test, I focused on staying calm and going step by step. For the written part, I took my time and carefully read each question before answering.

When I found out I passed the CNA exam, I was so happy. It felt amazing to see all my hard work pay off. Becoming a certified nurse aide as a high school senior is one of my biggest accomplishments so far. It showed me that with hard work and focus, I can reach my goals.

This experience also taught me the importance of staying consistent. Even when something feels hard or overwhelming, breaking it into smaller steps can make it manageable. It also reminded me how important it is to ask for help. My teachers, classmates, and family all supported me through this process, and I’m so thankful for that.

Now that I’m a CNA, I’m even more excited about my future in healthcare. This was just the first step, but it showed me that I have what it takes to succeed in this field. I can’t wait to keep learning and growing as I work toward becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner.